Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

Dear Zachary tells the tragic story of Andrew Bagby, a young doctor murdered by his ex-girlfriend, Shirley Turner. Initially conceived as a tribute to Andrew for his unborn son, Zachary, the film takes an unexpected turn as events unfold.

Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne, Andrew’s childhood friend, set out to create a memorial by interviewing Andrew’s family, friends, and colleagues across the United States and the United Kingdom. The project aimed to introduce Zachary to the father he would never know, capturing Andrew’s life through home videos, photographs, and heartfelt testimonials.

The narrative becomes increasingly complex when Turner, who fled to Canada after the murder, announces her pregnancy with Andrew’s child. Andrew’s parents, David and Kathleen Bagby, move to Newfoundland to fight for custody of their grandson while awaiting Turner’s extradition to the United States.

As the legal battle progresses, the film chronicles the Bagbys’ struggle within the Canadian justice system. Turner is initially released on bail and given custody of Zachary, leading to a tense and emotional custody arrangement with the grandparents.

The documentary takes a devastating turn when Turner, facing re-arrest, commits a murder-suicide, taking 13-month-old Zachary’s life along with her own. This shocking event transforms the film from a loving tribute into a powerful indictment of the legal system that failed to protect an innocent child.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the film follows David and Kathleen Bagby’s efforts to reform Canadian bail laws. Their campaign, born from grief and frustration, aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The documentary concludes with reflections from Andrew’s loved ones on the impact of both father and son, as well as the inspiring resilience of David and Kathleen Bagby.